Facilitating a mobile device specific physical downlink shared channel resource element mapping indicator

ABSTRACT

A system employing RE mapping for efficient use of the downlink control channel is provided for a wireless communication system. In one example, the system operations can comprise selecting index information corresponding to a resource element mapping pattern of a group of resource element mapping patterns, wherein the group of resource element mapping patterns is associated with a mobile device of a group of mobile devices, wherein the resource element mapping pattern is a two-dimensional mapping pattern comprising associated control channel symbol locations on a first axis and associated subcarrier locations on a second axis, and wherein the index information is an index of a group of indices associated with respective ones of the group of resource element mapping patterns; and transmitting the index information to the mobile device to inform the mobile device of a control channel symbol location at which data can be transmitted.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject patent application is a continuation of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/343,098, filed Nov. 3, 2016, andentitled “FACILITATING A MOBILE DEVICE SPECIFIC PHYSICAL DOWNLINK SHAREDCHANNEL RESOURCE ELEMENT MAPPING INDICATOR,” the entirety of whichapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates generally to communications systems, and,for example, to systems, methods and/or machine-readable storage mediafor facilitating resource element (RE) mapping for efficient use of thedownlink control channel in a wireless communication system.

BACKGROUND

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that employ one or moreaspects of the specifications of the Fourth Generation (4G) standard forwireless communications will be extended to a Fifth Generation (5G)standard for wireless communications. Unique challenges exist to providelevels of service associated with forthcoming 5G standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting message sequence flow chartto facilitate RE mapping for efficient use of the downlink controlchannel in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of a controldevice that can facilitate RE mapping, index selection and/or selectivedownlink data transmission for efficient use of the downlink controlchannel in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of a downlinkselection device that employs RE mapping to determine downlink controlchannels for receipt of data transmissions in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate example, non-limiting RE mapping patternsthat can be employed to facilitate RE mapping for efficient use of thedownlink control channel in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate flowcharts of methods that facilitate REmapping for efficient use of the downlink control channel in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computer that can be employedin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component.

One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components may communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can comprise a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (ormachine-readable) storage/communications media. For example, computerreadable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magneticstorage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), opticaldisks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smartcards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Ofcourse, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications canbe made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spiritof the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signalling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “Node B (NB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignalling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignalling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,”“entity” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unlesscontext warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packetradio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacytelecommunication technologies.

In some wireless communication system control frameworks, the number ofresources allocated for the data channel is indicated in the controlchannel. The mobile device can search the region where the controlchannel is located (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexed(OFDM) symbols) and the resource elements. In some cases, if the controlchannel has reserved resources, these reserved resources cannot be usedfor transmission of the data channel notwithstanding the reservedresources may not be in use or may not be currently needed. Wasteresults. In some systems, data and control information cannot bemultiplexed and this also results in waste and a decrease in link/systemthroughput. In one or more embodiments described herein, systems candynamically indicate information to the mobile device about the PDSCH REmapping pattern, which can cover the REs in the control region of thePDSCH. By doing such, the mobile device can be dynamically indicated touse any REs located in control region for receipt of data.

Systems, methods and/or machine-readable storage media for facilitatingRE mapping for efficient use of the downlink control channel in a 5Gwireless communication system are provided herein. Legacy wirelesssystems such as LTE, Long-Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), High SpeedPacket Access (HSPA) etc. can have downlink control channels that carryinformation about the scheduling grants. Typically this includes anumber of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) layers scheduled,transport block sizes, modulation for each codeword, parameters relatedto hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), subband locations and alsoprecoding matrix index corresponding to the sub bands.

Typically, the following information can be transmitted based on thedownlink control information (DCI) format: Localized/Distributed virtualresource block (VRB) assignment flag, resource block assignment,modulation and coding scheme, HARQ process number, new data indicator,redundancy version, transmit power control (TPC) command for uplinkcontrol channel, downlink assignment index, precoding matrix indexand/or number of layers.

Currently, 3GPP is discussing the control channel design for NR systems.There are two approaches which are interesting. In the first approach,the downlink control channel is transmitted in two parts. In the firstpart, the network sends a part of the DCI that is common to certaingroup of mobile devices, and in the second part other parameters of theDCI can be transmitted for individual mobile devices. In the secondapproach, all the DCI parameters are transmitted to all mobile devicesat once (in a single transmission). The methods outlined in thisdocument are applicable to both the approaches.

As used herein, “5G” can also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access.Accordingly, systems, methods and/or machine-readable storage media forfacilitating RE mapping for efficient use of the downlink controlchannel in a 5G wireless communication system are desired. As usedherein, one or more aspects of a 5G network can comprise, but is notlimited to, data rates of several tens of megabits per second (Mbps)supported for tens of thousands of users; at least one gigabit persecond (Gbps) to be offered simultaneously to tens of users (e.g., tensof workers on the same office floor); several hundreds of thousands ofsimultaneous connections supported for massive sensor deployments;spectral efficiency significantly enhanced compared to 4G; improvementin coverage relative to 4G; signalling efficiency enhanced compared to4G; and/or latency significantly reduced compared to LTE.

One or more embodiments described herein can include systems, apparatus,methods and/or machine-readable storage media that can facilitate REmapping for efficient use of the downlink control channel in a 5Gwireless communication system are provided herein. In variousembodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and/or machine-readable storagemedia can facilitate a RE mapping signalling framework that allows themobile device to receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) REmapping around any one or more arbitrary locations of the REs, includingbut not limited to, the REs in the control channel region.

In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus can comprise:a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. Theoperations can comprise: selecting index information corresponding to aresource element mapping pattern of a group of resource element mappingpatterns, wherein the group of resource element mapping patterns isassociated with a mobile device of a group of mobile devices, whereinthe resource element mapping pattern is a two-dimensional mappingpattern comprising associated control channel symbol locations on afirst axis and associated subcarrier locations on a second axis, andwherein the index information is an index of a group of indicesassociated with respective ones of the group of resource element mappingpatterns. The operations can also comprise transmitting the indexinformation to the mobile device to inform the mobile device of acontrol channel symbol location at which data can be transmitted.

In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method can comprisedetermining, by a mobile device coupled to a processor, indexinformation identifying a resource element mapping pattern of resourceelement mapping patterns indicative of a downlink control channel symbolsubcarrier location at which data is able to be transmitted over adownlink channel to the mobile device, wherein the resource elementmapping pattern is a multi-dimensional mapping pattern comprisingassociated control channel symbol locations on a first axis andassociated subcarrier locations on a second axis. The method can alsocomprise determining, by the mobile device, whether to receive the dataat the downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location based on anevaluation of a reception criterion.

In another embodiment, a machine-readable storage medium is provided.The machine-readable storage medium can comprise executable instructionsthat, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, comprising: determining index information identifying aresource element mapping pattern of resource element mapping patternsindicative of a downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location atwhich data is able to be transmitted over a downlink channel to themobile device, wherein the resource element mapping pattern is amulti-dimensional mapping pattern comprising associated control channelsymbol locations on a first axis and associated subcarrier locations ona second axis; and determining whether to receive the data at thedownlink control channel symbol subcarrier location based on anevaluation of a reception criterion.

One or more embodiments can allow the BS device to flexibly signal tothe mobile device 104 to use the REs located in the control region (e.g.the first OFDM symbol) for data in a dynamic manner (e.g., the mobiledevice can be configured with two patterns, one reuses the REs in thecontrol region, one does not, for example). So the BS device candynamically decide whether to reuse the REs in the control region. Goingforward, in other embodiments, if we need to design a new referencesignal that will occupy some REs in the PRB, we can simple block thoseREs by configuring a new RE mapping pattern to a legacy mobile device.So, although the legacy mobile device is not aware of the new referencesignal, the legacy mobile device can avoid the REs used by thosereference signals for the downlink data transmission to the mobiledevice.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example, non-limiting message sequence flow chartto facilitate RE mapping for efficient use of the downlink controlchannel in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

One or more embodiments can enable the BS device 102 to dynamicallysignal the mobile device 104 to use the REs located in the controlregion (e.g. the first OFDM symbol in some embodiments) for data indynamic way. As used herein, dynamically signalling can mean signallingof information that can change from time to time. At one time theinformation signaled by the BS device 102 to the mobile device 104 canindicate a first RE pattern and at a second time the informationsignaled from the BS device 102 to the mobile device 104 can indicate asecond RE pattern.

One or more of reference signals and/or pilot signals can be transmittedas shown at 108 of FIG. 1. The reference signals and/or the pilotsignals can be beamformed or non-beamformed. The mobile device 104 cancompute the channel estimates then determine the one or more parametersassociated with channel state information (CSI) reporting. The CSIreport can comprise example channel quality indicator (CQI), precodingmatrix index (PMI), rank information (RI), the best subband indices,best beam indices etc. or any number of other types of information.

The CSI report can be sent from the mobile device 104 to the BS devicevia a feedback channel (e.g., feedback channel 110). The BS device 102scheduler can use this information in choosing the parameters forscheduling of the particular mobile device 104. As used herein, the term“BS device 102” can be interchangeable with (or include) a network, anetwork controller or any number of other network components. The mobiledevice 104 can send the scheduling parameters to the mobile device 104in the downlink control channel (e.g., downlink control channel 112).After this information is transmitted, the actual data transfer can beprovided from the BS device 102 to the mobile device 104 over the datatraffic channel 114.

The downlink control channel can carry information about the schedulinggrants. As previously discussed, typically this includes a number ofmultiple input multiple output (MIMO) layers scheduled, transport blocksizes, modulation for each codeword, parameters related to hybridautomatic repeat request (HARQ), subband locations and also precodingmatrix index corresponding to the sub bands. Additionally, typically,the following information can be transmitted based on the downlinkcontrol information (DCI) format: Localized/Distributed virtual resourceblock (VRB) assignment flag, resource block assignment, modulation andcoding scheme, HARQ process number, new data indicator, redundancyversion, transmit power control (TPC) command for uplink controlchannel, downlink assignment index, precoding matrix index and/or numberof layers.

In some embodiments, downlink control channel can also carry data in oneor more subcarriers of an OFDM control channel symbol to improveefficiency of the control channel. As shown in FIG. 1, the downlinkcontrol channel can include data or control channel information.

In various embodiments, the systems described herein can provideapproaches for the control channel transmission. In the first approach,the control channel is transmitted in two parts. In the first part, thenetwork sends some portion of the DCI that is common to certain group ofmobile devices, and in the second part other parameters of the DCI aretransmitted for individual mobile devices. In the second approach, allthe DCI parameters are transmitted to all (or, in some embodiments, toone or mobile devices) at once (or in a single transmission,simultaneously and/or concurrently). The embodiments detailed herein areapplicable to both the approaches.

One or more aspects of the system will be described with reference toFIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and/or 7. FIG. 2 illustrates an example,non-limiting block diagram of a control device that can facilitate REmapping, index selection and/or selective downlink data transmission forefficient use of the downlink control channel in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein. FIG. 3 illustrates an example,non-limiting block diagram of a downlink selection device that employsRE mapping to determine downlink control channels for receipt of datatransmissions in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate example, non-limiting RE mappingpatterns that can be employed to facilitate RE mapping for efficient useof the downlink control channel in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

Turning first to FIG. 2, the control device 200 can be comprised in theBS device 102 and/or any other network control device that can generateinformation for control of the information to be transmitted on thedownlink control channel. In one or more embodiments, the BS device 102and/or the control device 200 can indicate the RE pattern for one ormore mobile devices dynamically (e.g., via physical layer signalling,example DCI signalling) or semi-statically (e.g., higher layer or radioresource control (RRC) signalling).

The control device 200 can comprise communication component 202, REpattern determination component 204, index selection component 208,selective downlink data transmission component 210, memory 212 and/orprocessor 214. In some embodiments, one or more of communicationcomponent 202, RE pattern determination component 204, index selectioncomponent 208, selective downlink data transmission component 210,memory 212 and/or processor 214 can be electrically and/orcommunicatively coupled to one another to perform one or more functionsof control device 200.

The communication component 202 can transmit and/or receive controland/or data information to and/or from one or more mobile devices (e.g.,mobile device 104). In some embodiments, the communication component 202can transmit the downlink control channel. For example, in oneembodiment, the communication component 202 can transmit the downlinkcontrol channel in two parts. In the first part, the communicationcomponent 202 transmits a portion of the DCI that is common to certaingroup of mobile devices (for example, mobile device 104 and one or moreother mobile devices), and in the second part other parameters of theDCI can be transmitted for individual mobile devices (e.g., for example,for mobile device 104).

In another embodiment, the communication component 202 can transmitmultiple (or, in some embodiments, all) of the DCI parameters to allmobile devices (e.g., a group of mobile devices including mobile device104).at once (in a single transmission, in overlapping time slots ortransmission time intervals (TTIs) or the like).

In some embodiments, the communication component 202 can transmit one ormore different RE patterns indicating whether one or more controlchannel subcarriers is a candidate for transmission of data over thesubcarrier (in lieu of transmission of control channel information overthe subcarrier). For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the RE patterndetermination component 204 can determine multiple different REpatterns.

The RE patterns can be two-dimensional bit maps in some embodiments. Insome embodiments, there can be a two-dimensional bitmap for eachphysical resource block (PRB): The OFDM symbols * subcarriers for onePRB (e.g., if the number of OFDM symbols is 7 in a slot, and the numberof subcarrier is 12, then the bitmap is 7 by 12). The two-dimensionalbitmaps can be populated with bit values 0 and 1 to indicate whether aRE corresponding to a particular (OFDM symbol location, subcarrierlocation) combination can be employed for transmission of controlchannel information or data.

In some embodiments, if bit value at the RE is a first value (e.g.,“0”), data cannot be transmitted at that OFDM symbol location,subcarrier location; if the bit value at the RE is a second value (e.g.,“1”), data can be transmitted at that OFDM symbol location, subcarrierlocation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each bit in the bitmapindicates whether the subcarrier on that OFDM symbol can be used forPDSCH RE mapping or not. The bitmap can also include the symbolsdesigned for control channels (e.g., if the first symbol is designed forcontrol channel transmission, but the bitmap can still indicate UE touse those REs).

Accordingly, the different RE patterns can indicate control channelsymbol subcarriers over which data can be transmitted and controlchannel symbol subcarriers over which control channel information can betransmitted. Use of traditional control channels (e.g., symbol location0 of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7) and use of traditional data channels (e.g.,symbol locations 1-13 of FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7) can be specified in anynumber of configurations (and one or more different mobile devices canreceive different sets of RE patterns—as such, the RE patterns can bespecific to one or more different mobile devices or individualized to beunique for each mobile device).

In various embodiments, the index selection component 208 of the controldevice 200 can transmit information indicative of a RE pattern thatindicates the downlink reception for the mobile device 104. In someembodiments, the index is transmitted in the DCI to indicate to themobile device about which RE mapping pattern to use in current PDSCHtransmission. Thus the control device 200 or BS device 102 can changethe RE mapping pattern for every TTI. The index can change from time totime based on the index selection component 208 selecting differentindices. Each RE pattern can correspond to a different index. Thus, theRE pattern 400 of FIG. 4 can be represented by index “1,” for example,and the RE pattern 600 of FIG. 6 can be represented by index “2.” Anynumber of RE patterns (and therefore any number of correspondingindices) can be available for selection by the index selection component208. The selective downlink data transmission component 210 can transmitthe data selectively on one or more different channels based on the REpattern. The data can be transmitted according to the initial RE patterndetermined (e.g., RE pattern 400) or based on two-stage analysisperformed by the mobile device 104 and the results of which aretransmitted to the control device 200.

The memory 212 can be a computer-readable storage medium storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or information configured toperform one or more of the functions described herein with reference tothe control device. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 212 canstore computer-readable storage media associated with determining one ormore RE patterns, determining an index for selection of a pattern andthe like. The processor 214 can perform one or more of the functionsdescribed herein with reference to the control device 200.

Turning also to FIG. 3, the mobile device 102 can comprise communicationcomponent 302, RE pattern selection component 206, selective downlinkdata reception component 308, memory 310 and/or processor 312. In someembodiments, one or more of communication component 302, RE patternselection component 206, selective downlink data reception component308, memory 310 and/or processor 312 can be electrically and/orcommunicatively coupled to one another to perform one or more functionsof mobile device 102.

After the patterns are determined and sent to the mobile device 102 theRE patterns can be stored at the mobile device 104 and/or accessible tothe mobile device 104 over a network. The communication component 302can receive the one or more RE patterns and/or can access one or more REpatterns over a network. One or more of the RE patterns can be updatedfrom time to time for use by the mobile device 104.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate example, non-limiting RE mapping patternsthat can be employed to facilitate RE mapping for efficient use of thedownlink control channel in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The mobile device 104 can be configured with and/orstore two or more different RE patterns. The different RE patterns canindicate which OFDM symbol subcarriers that are associated with controlchannels on the downlink can be employed for transmission of data. Invarious embodiments, different RE patterns can be configured by the BSdevice 102 and/or the control device 200. The RE patterns can beconfigured differently from time to time and the set of RE patternsconfigured for the mobile device 104 can therefore be dynamicallychanged based on any number of factors. For example, in someembodiments, if the control device 200 or BS device 102 determines thatone or more control channel subcarriers are being routinely unused (orhave a use rate less than a defined threshold, for example), the controldevice 200 or BS device 102 can indicate the control channel OFDM symbolsubcarriers that are unused as those that can be employed for datatransmission for one or more subsequent downlink control channeltransmissions.

As described, the different RE patterns can indicate control channelsymbol subcarriers over which data can be transmitted and controlchannel symbol subcarriers over which control channel information can betransmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first pattern 400shows that the RE pattern determination component initially transmits anRE pattern 400 to the mobile device 104 showing that any RE (combinationof OFDM symbol and subcarrier) can be employed to transmit data. Thus,the resource element pattern selection component 306 of the mobiledevice 104 can determine that the control channel (e.g., symbol location0) is indicated by the RE pattern determination component 204 as beingable to be fully utilized to transmit data on any of the OFDM symbollocation 0 subcarriers. Such is shown by populating each RE with thevalue “1,” for example, in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, REs 402 can beemployed for downlink control channel information and the othersubcarriers associated with the control channel (e.g., associated withOFDM symbol location 0 that are not included in the subset of REsrepresented by 402) can be employed for data transmission on thedownlink to the mobile device 104.

However, in some of the embodiments described herein, the resourceelement pattern selection component 306 of the mobile device 104 canhave a two-stage evaluation process that can be performed by the mobiledevice 104 upon receipt of the RE pattern 400 to determine which REs canactually be used for reception of data. The two-stage analysis can be asfollows. The RE pattern 400 can be received by the mobile device 104.The resource element pattern selection component 306 of the mobiledevice 104 can determine the REs on which data can be received based onthe RE pattern 400 and one or more different criteria. The resourceelement pattern selection component 306 of the mobile device 104 candetermine: 1) whether data should/will actually be received on any REsbased on which REs are indicated in the initial RE pattern (e.g.,patterns 400, 600) are indicated as being available for data reception;2) whether there are any reference signals received on the RE (inactuality) or that the mobile device 104 expects to be received on theRE OR if there are any control channels that the mobile device 104 doesor will use for its own control information (e.g., mobile device controlinformation).

In step two of the analysis, if a RE is indicated as being associatedwith receipt of a reference signal (current or future receipt), such REwill not be employed for receipt of data notwithstanding such can beindicated as a candidate RE for receipt of data at such RE by the mobiledevice 104. Based on the analysis, the resource element patternselection component 306 of the mobile device 104 can update the REpattern 400 to generate a new, modified RE pattern 500 that is amodified version of RE pattern 400 resultant from the two-stage analysis(or to generate information indicating on which REs data indicated asbeing able to be received in RE pattern 400 will not actually bereceived). As shown in FIG. 5, RE pattern 400 can be modified to REpattern 500 to indicate the dark gray REs (some of which are shownlabeled with reference numeral 504) are those associated with referencesignals and therefore notwithstanding RE pattern 400 indicates value “1”for those REs, no data can be received on those REs. As also shown inFIG. 5, yellow REs (some of which are shown labeled with referencenumeral 502) are those on which data can be received. The REs shown asgreen REs (which are shown as reference numeral 402) can be employed forreceipt of control channel information in some embodiments (or data canbe received at one or more of these locations in other embodiments).

In step two of the analysis, although not shown, mobile device 104 canalso determine if there are any control channels that the mobile device104 does or will use for its own control information (e.g., mobiledevice control information). If the mobile device 104 determines thatany such REs are or will be used for the mobile device controlinformation, mobile device 104 can generate a new, modified RE patternthat is a modified version of RE pattern 400 resultant from thetwo-stage analysis (or to generate information indicating on which REsdata indicated as being able to be received in RE pattern 400 will notactually be received).

Original RE pattern 600 can be determined and sent to the mobile device104 by the control device 200 or BS device 102. As shown, in the case ofRE pattern 600, none of the REs for the subcarriers on the OFDM symbolare allocated for data. As such, these subcarriers cannot be employedfor data transmission. The RE pattern 700 can be determined based on thetwo-stage analysis described above with regard to various criterionassociated with reference signals, mobile device control channelinformation or any number of other criteria. At 702, REs are shown thatare not used for data transmission but that are also not used forcontrol channel information. Thus, in some embodiments, opportunity totransmit data at those REs associated with 702 may be lost.

Accordingly, one or more of these embodiments can be employed fortransmission of data on ODFM control channel symbol locations typicallyreserved for control channel information. In some embodiments, as shown,symbol locations typically employed for data transmission (e.g., one ormore of OFDM symbol locations 1-13) can be employed for mobile devicecontrol channel information and/or reference signals.

As described, in some embodiments, even if the RE pattern indicates anRE can be used for data or for PDSCH, the mobile device 104 may not usethe RE for data in several conditions. For example, in one case, thesame RE can be used by a reference signal configured to that particularmobile device 104 (e.g., the CSI-RS or DMRS configured by the mobiledevice 104). In another case, the same RE can be used by the controlchannel for mobile device 104 (e.g., when the mobile device 104successfully decodes the control channel, the mobile device can excludethe REs used for the control channel from PDSCH even if the RE Pattern(e.g., DCI) indicates those REs can be used for PDSCH. In someembodiments, the mobile device 104 can do PDSCH RE mapping (andtherefore receive information) on all allocated PRBs (indicated in theDCI signalling) following the RE mapping pattern.

Accordingly, one or more embodiments can provide for mobile devicespecific dynamic PDSCH RE mapping to allow for flexible multiplexing ofdata and control. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, a semi-staticand/or dynamic signalling framework for the PDSCH RE mapping can beprovided. Multiple RE mapping patterns can be configured semi-staticallyto the mobile device 104 prior to operation and/or can be updated fromtime to time. Then the BS device 102 can dynamically indicate onepattern to use in a current (and, in some embodiments, a future) PDSCHtransmission. The RE mapping pattern can be in the format oftwo-dimensional bitmap, which can indicate REs in any OFDM symbols orsubcarriers. Such flexible signalling framework allows dynamic sharingof the REs between control and data channel. Also, since the legacy UEcan be configured to map the PDSCH around any arbitrary REs, futurereleases/versions of wireless communication systems (and mobile devicesthat utilize such) can introduce new features occupying some REs withoutconsidering the negative implications of such.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate flowcharts of methods that facilitate REmapping for efficient use of the downlink control channel in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

Turning first to FIG. 8, at 802, method 800 can comprise selecting indexinformation corresponding to a resource element mapping pattern of agroup of resource element mapping patterns, wherein the group ofresource element mapping patterns is associated with a mobile device ofa group of mobile devices, wherein the resource element mapping patternis a two-dimensional mapping pattern comprising associated controlchannel symbol locations on a first axis and associated subcarrierlocations on a second axis, and wherein the index information is anindex of a group of indices associated with respective ones of the groupof resource element mapping patterns (e.g., by the BS device 102 and/orthe control device 200 of the BS device 102).

In some embodiments, the two-dimensional mapping pattern comprises afirst bit value indicative of the data being able to be transmitted at afirst control channel symbol location and a second bit value indicativeof the data failing to be able to be transmitted at the first controlchannel symbol location. In some embodiments, selecting the indexinformation comprises a first value at a first time and the indexinformation comprises a second value at a second time.

In some embodiments, the RE mapping pattern further comprises symbolinformation indicative of a control channel symbol.

At 804, method 800 can comprise transmitting the index information tothe mobile device to inform the mobile device of a control channelsymbol location at which data can be transmitted (e.g., by the BS device102 and/or the control device 200 of the BS device 102).

Turning now to FIG. 9, at 902 method 900 can comprise determining, by amobile device coupled to a processor, index information identifying aresource element mapping pattern of resource element mapping patternsindicative of a downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location atwhich data is able to be transmitted over a downlink channel to themobile device, wherein the resource element mapping pattern is amulti-dimensional mapping pattern comprising associated control channelsymbol locations on a first axis and associated subcarrier locations ona second axis.

At 904, method 900 can comprise determining, by the mobile device,whether to receive the data at the downlink control channel symbolsubcarrier location based on an evaluation of a reception criterion. Insome embodiments, the evaluation of the reception criterion comprisesthe evaluation of whether the downlink control channel symbol subcarrierlocation is a location for transmission of a reference signal. Forexample, determining whether to receive the data can comprisedetermining not to receive the data at the downlink control channelsymbol subcarrier location indicated as available for the reception ofthe data based on a determination that the downlink control channelsymbol subcarrier location is the location for the transmission of thereference signal.

In some embodiments, although now shown, method 900 can comprisereceiving, by the mobile device, the data at the downlink controlchannel symbol subcarrier location indicated as available for thereception of the data. The method 900 can also comprise accessing, bythe mobile device, the resource element mapping patterns, wherein theaccessing is performed via a network device of a network to which themobile device is communicatively coupled. The method 900 can alsocomprise storing, by the mobile device, the resource element mappingpatterns.

Turning now to FIG. 10, at 1002, method 1000 can comprise determining,by a mobile device coupled to a processor, index information identifyinga resource element mapping pattern of resource element mapping patternsindicative of a downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location atwhich data is able to be transmitted over a downlink channel to themobile device, wherein the resource element mapping pattern is amulti-dimensional mapping pattern comprising associated control channelsymbol locations on a first axis and associated subcarrier locations ona second axis.

At 1004, method 1000 can comprise determining, by the mobile device,whether to receive the data at the downlink control channel symbolsubcarrier location based on an evaluation of a reception criterion. Insome embodiments, the evaluation of the reception criterion comprisesthe evaluation of whether the downlink control channel symbol subcarrierlocation is a location for a mobile device control channel symbol. Forexample, the determining whether to receive the data comprisesdetermining not to receive the data at the downlink control channelsymbol subcarrier location indicated as available for the reception ofthe data based on a determination that the downlink control channelsymbol subcarrier location is the location for the mobile device controlchannel symbol.

In some embodiments, although now shown, method 1000 can comprisereceiving, by the mobile device, the data at the downlink controlchannel symbol subcarrier location indicated as available for thereception of the data. The method 1000 can also comprise accessing, bythe mobile device, the resource element mapping patterns, wherein theaccessing is performed via a network device of a network to which themobile device is communicatively coupled. The method 1000 can alsocomprise storing, by the mobile device, the resource element mappingpatterns.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computer that can be employedin accordance with one or more embodiments. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

In some embodiments, the computer, or a component of the computer, canbe or be comprised within any number of components described hereincomprising, but not limited to, base station device 102 or mobile device104 (or a component of base station device 102 or mobile device 104). Inorder to provide additional text for various embodiments describedherein, FIG. 11 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1100 inwhich the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can beimplemented. While the embodiments have been described above in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that theembodiments can be also implemented in combination with other programmodules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage media and/orcommunications media, which two terms are used herein differently fromone another as follows. Computer-readable (or machine-readable) storagemedia can be any available storage media that can be accessed by thecomputer (or a machine, device or apparatus) and comprises both volatileand nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way ofexample, and not limitation, computer-readable (or machine-readable)storage media can be implemented in connection with any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer-readable (ormachine-readable) instructions, program modules, structured data orunstructured data. Tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable (ormachine-readable) storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devicesand/or other media that can be used to store desired information.Computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage media can be accessed byone or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via accessrequests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety ofoperations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

In this regard, the term “tangible” herein as applied to storage, memoryor computer-readable (or machine-readable) media, is to be understood toexclude only propagating intangible signals per se as a modifier anddoes not relinquish coverage of all standard storage, memory orcomputer-readable (or machine-readable) media that are not onlypropagating intangible signals per se.

In this regard, the term “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage,memory or computer-readable (or machine-readable) media, is to beunderstood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as amodifier and does not relinquish coverage of all standard storage,memory or computer-readable (or machine-readable) media that are notonly propagating transitory signals per se.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable (ormachine-readable) instructions, data structures, program modules orother structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as amodulated data signal, e.g., a channel wave or other transportmechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport media.The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and notlimitation, communication media comprise wired media, such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 11, the example environment 1100 forimplementing various embodiments of the embodiments described hereincomprises a computer 1102, the computer 1102 comprising a processingunit 1104, a system memory 1106 and a system bus 1108. The system bus1108 couples system components comprising, but not limited to, thesystem memory 1106 to the processing unit 1104. The processing unit 1104can be any of various commercially available processors. Dualmicroprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also beemployed as the processing unit 1104.

The system bus 1108 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1106comprises ROM 1110 and RAM 1112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) canbe stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmableread only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the computer1102, such as during startup. The RAM 1112 can also comprise ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1102 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1110 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1114 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive 1116, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1118) and an optical disk drive 1120, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1122 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1114, magnetic diskdrive 1116 and optical disk drive 1120 can be connected to the systembus 1108 by a hard disk drive interface 1124, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1126 and an optical drive interface, respectively. Theinterface 1124 for external drive implementations comprises at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other externaldrive connection technologies are within contemplation of theembodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable (or machine-readable)storage media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer 1102,the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any data in asuitable digital format. Although the description of computer-readable(or machine-readable) storage media above refers to a hard disk drive(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of storage media which are readable by a computer, suchas zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, andthe like, can also be used in the example operating environment, andfurther, that any such storage media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods described herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1112,comprising an operating system 1130, one or more application programs1132, other program modules 1134 and program data 1136. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1112. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A communication device can enter commands and information into thecomputer 1102 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., akeyboard 1138 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1140. Other inputdevices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remotecontrol, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit1104 through an input device interface 1142 that can be coupled to thesystem bus 1108, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as aparallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serialbus (USB) port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1144 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1146. Inaddition to the monitor 1144, a computer typically comprises otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1102 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1148. The remotecomputer(s) 1148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1102, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1154. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 can beconnected to the local network 1152 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1156. The adapter 1156 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1152, which canalso comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 1156.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 cancomprise a modem 1158 or can be connected to a communications server onthe WAN 1154 or has other means for establishing communications over theWAN 1154, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1158, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, can be connected tothe system bus 1108 via the input device interface 1142. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1102 orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1102 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a defined structure as with a conventional networkor simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a femto cell device. Wi-Fi networks useradio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example or with products that containboth bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 10 Base T wired Ethernet networks usedin many offices.

The embodiments described herein can employ artificial intelligence (AI)to facilitate automating one or more features described herein. Theembodiments (e.g., in connection with automatically identifying acquiredcell sites that provide a maximum value/benefit after addition to anexisting communication network) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier canbe employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell site of anacquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an inputattribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence thatthe input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence(class). Suchclassification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-basedanalysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) toprognose or infer an action that a communication device desires to beautomatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example ofa classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding ahypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which the hypersurfaceattempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggeringevents. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testingdata that is near, but not identical to training data. Other directedand undirected model classification approaches comprise, e.g., naïveBayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logicmodels, and probabilistic classification models providing differentpatterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used hereinalso is inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to developmodels of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observingcommunication device behavior, operator preferences, historicalinformation, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs can beconfigured via a learning or training phase within a classifierconstructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can beused to automatically learn and perform a number of functions,comprising but not limited to determining according to a predeterminedcriteria which of the acquired cell sites will benefit a maximum numberof subscribers and/or which of the acquired cell sites will add minimumvalue to the existing communication network coverage, etc.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of communication device equipment. Aprocessor can also be implemented as a combination of computingprocessing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” “database,” andsubstantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable (or machine-readable) storage media, described hereincan be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can comprise bothvolatile and nonvolatile memory.

Memory disclosed herein can comprise volatile memory or nonvolatilememory or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can comprise readonly memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmableROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flash memory.Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts asexternal cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM isavailable in many forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).The memory (e.g., data storages, databases) of the embodiments areintended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any othersuitable types of memory.

What has been described above comprises mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term“comprises” is used in either the detailed description or the claims,such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: selectingindex information corresponding to a resource element mapping pattern ofa group of resource element mapping patterns, wherein the group ofresource element mapping patterns is associated with a mobile device ofa group of mobile devices, and wherein the index information is an indexof a group of indices associated with respective ones of the group ofresource element mapping patterns; and in response to the selecting theindex information, transmitting, via signaling of a physical layer of anetwork with which the apparatus is associated, the index information tothe mobile device to inform the mobile device of a control channelsymbol location at which data is capable of being transmitted.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the resource element mapping pattern is atwo-dimensional mapping pattern that comprises a first bit valueindicative of the data being able to be transmitted at a first controlchannel symbol location and a second bit value indicative of the datafailing to be able to be transmitted at the first control channel symbollocation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the selecting the indexinformation comprises selecting a first value at a first time andselecting a second value at a second time.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the resource element mapping pattern further comprises symbolinformation indicative of a control channel symbol.
 5. A method,comprising: determining, by a mobile device coupled to a processor,index information identifying a resource element mapping pattern ofresource element mapping patterns indicative of a downlink controlchannel symbol subcarrier location at which data is able to betransmitted over a downlink channel to the mobile device, wherein theresource element mapping pattern is individualized to a uniqueidentifier of the mobile device; and determining, by the mobile device,whether to receive the data at the downlink control channel symbolsubcarrier location based on an evaluation of a reception criterion. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein the evaluation of the reception criterioncomprises the evaluation of whether the downlink control channel symbolsubcarrier location is a location for transmission of a referencesignal.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining whether toreceive the data comprises determining not to receive the data at thedownlink control channel symbol subcarrier location indicated asavailable for the reception of the data based on a determination thatthe downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location is the locationfor the transmission of the reference signal.
 8. The method of claim 5,wherein the evaluation of the reception criterion comprises theevaluation of whether the downlink control channel symbol subcarrierlocation is a location for a mobile device control channel symbol. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the determining whether to receive thedata comprises determining not to receive the data at the downlinkcontrol channel symbol subcarrier location indicated as available forthe reception of the data based on a determination that the downlinkcontrol channel symbol subcarrier location is the location for themobile device control channel symbol.
 10. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: receiving, by the mobile device, the data at the downlinkcontrol channel symbol subcarrier location indicated as available forthe reception of the data.
 11. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: accessing, by the mobile device, the resource elementmapping patterns, wherein the accessing is performed via a networkdevice of a network to which the mobile device is communicativelycoupled.
 12. The method of claim 5, further comprising: storing, by themobile device, the resource element mapping patterns.
 13. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performanceof operations, comprising: determining index information identifying aresource element mapping pattern of resource element mapping patternsindicative of a downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location atwhich data is able to be transmitted over a downlink channel to themobile device, wherein the resource element mapping patterns for themobile device are changeable over time resulting in a first resourceelement mapping pattern being selected for the mobile device at a firsttime and a second resource element mapping pattern being selected forthe mobile device at a second time; and determining whether to receivethe data at the downlink control channel symbol subcarrier locationbased on an evaluation of a reception criterion.
 14. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the evaluation of thereception criterion comprises the evaluation of whether the downlinkcontrol channel symbol subcarrier location is a location fortransmission of a reference signal.
 15. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the determining whether toreceive the data comprises determining not to receive the data at thedownlink control channel symbol subcarrier location indicated asavailable for the reception of the data based on a determination thatthe downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location is the locationfor the transmission of the reference signal.
 16. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the evaluation of thereception criterion comprises the evaluation of whether the downlinkcontrol channel symbol subcarrier location is a location for a mobiledevice control channel symbol.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the determining whether to receive the datacomprises determining not to receive the data at the downlink controlchannel symbol subcarrier location indicated as available for thereception of the data based on a determination that the downlink controlchannel symbol subcarrier location is the location for the mobile devicecontrol channel symbol.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable mediumof claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving the dataat the downlink control channel symbol subcarrier location indicated asavailable for the reception of the data.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the operations furthercomprise: accessing the resource element mapping patterns, wherein theaccessing is performed via a network device of a network to which themobile device is communicatively coupled.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the operations furthercomprise: storing the resource element mapping patterns.